Every book starts with an idea, a spark, a moment of inspiration, and travels through many hands until it ends its journey with a child.
This blog will track the journey of one book, written by James Mayhew, and illustrated by Jackie Morris.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Thank you

Today the wind is rattling at the door. It is cold, dark gray and the night is holding on to time forbidding the daylight entry to the world. Stormy outside and I have to drive to Bath to deliver the last of the artwork and talk about the book.Yesterday I had an email from Bob, who has ordered the book from his local bookshop in America. It seems the publication date is September in the USA. This is very quick as usually it takes a year from finishing a book to publication as the publishers try to bring in as many co-editions as they can get as well as interesting book clubs and the like.This is not the end of the blog, just because I have finished painting. Now the art goes out of my hands and on to its own journey, and I will try and follow it as the book is designed and printed and then hopefully makes its way into shops and finds a harbour in the hearts and mind of children.But before it does that I would like to thank all the readers of the blog for your help and support over the months. As you know it has not been easy at times. I am so pleased that I did not let this book slip through my fingers, so glad to have had that four in the morning memory of making paper boats as a child that was the key to unlocking the images. Your enthusiasm and encouragement has kept me painting and kept me posting. And I would like to say thanks to all my family as well, to the kids who let me paint all through Christmas, to Robin, who drives to visit me and then cooks me lovely meals while I shut myself away in my studio painting, and to my friends who continue to invite me to supper even though much of the time I say I am too busy and who understand when I don't pick up the phone or answer the door because I am painting. And last but not least, to the cats and dogs for just being.

Thank you for the release date information, I have 2 little grandsons and will most certainly be looking for a copy for them,they have always been encouraged to appreciate books and have had bedtime stories read to them from the time they were very tiny babies.When I finish a hand stitched quilt, I always feel happy and sad when it is finished,you probably feel the same when you hand over your work.....kind of like the first day of school, you know you have to let them go , but it has been so much fun up until now.

Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you. I love books, especially illustrated books, so it was a treat to see this gorgeous book take shape. I eagerly await its publication...and the other steps that it will go through before then.

Congratulations, Jackie! You are brilliant, I can't wait to get this book, as I feel somehow 'connected', I've followed the Blog from Day 1. It is also due to 'finding you again' and your presence on the Blogs that I had the courage to commit to my own journey after all these years - so thank you for that! Fantastic, fantastic, Fantastic! Well done you! (Drive safely, ity's awfully windy out there) xxx

There are no original ways to say "thank you" for sharing a window into your work--and on your walks with the dogs and cats. The companionship of animals is such a blessing and walking is great inspiration and balance. I hope there is some rest and time to paint as you please before the next project absorbs you.

I know I've only recently discovered your artwork and life, but I'd like to thank you for this blog, which I found beautiful and inspiring. Good Luck to the publication of 'Starlight Sailor'. I feel amazed by the detail and hard work you have put into it and can't wait to hold a copy in my hands. I hope the 'Jackie Morris' Facebook group I have created for you brings you many new admirers and contacts. Best Wishes to a continued creative future, Michelle

Hey jacki, ever since Zoe was absorbed in your book at the Druidstone my mind has been filled with little boats bobbing somewhere in our beautiful pembrokeshire amongst the swirls of midnight blue and gold you create.I'm glad you enjoyed the freedom the book ends created and the extra closeness it brought the night sky.Its been inspiring - thankyou

I'm going to miss your illustration process Jackie, your bog has been part of my daily routine since it started. Thank you for sharing this journey, I know this book has been a struggle for you and you should be very proud with what you have achieved; It's truly beautiful and I can't wait to add it to my Jackie collection.

Selfishly I wish you would blog your illustration process with everything you do! :)

One big heartfelt thank you and hug from Canada! I've enjoyed following you on your journey and have drawn inspiration from you so many times over.I can't wait for the book's release and will be adding it to my Jackie Morris collection!